(01-11-2024, 02:00 PM)Caldrac Wrote:

(01-11-2024, 10:59 AM)jaglou53 Wrote: Thanks. If Fuaga is not there for the Jags, I'm taking another of the linemen like Mims, Fautanu or possibly Barton. I believe any of these would provide value at pick 17 and the need is clearly the biggest. "Sexier" picks like Nabers, Turner and Latu may possibly drop and be tempting to take. Regardless, I'm still taking the offensive lineman and adding another draft pick plus a free agent (Dotson, Cushenberry).

Latu concerns me with his injury history. Think it was a neck injury that forced him to retire medically when he was at Washington. He's coming off an impressive season with the Bruins though. 

For me I wouldn't rule out a DE with that 17th overall pick. Really comes down to who the next DC will be and what their primary base front will be. If they're thinking more 4 - 3 base look Vs. 3 - 4 base look a DE like Latu makes sense all of a sudden. 

I don't mind Nabers. I just question if he's the right WR we need on this offense. We already have guys that are barely 6 ft and 190 pounds soaking wet. For me, it's these three players I would want if they're there at 17. Granted, my opinion might change post free agency, combine results, etc. 

1. Rome Odunze - WR - Washington 
2. Brian Thomas Jr. - WR - LSU
3. Jer'Zhan Newton - DT - Illinois

No doubt that the new defensive coordinator should have much input into this process. If they do go with someone who primarily uses a 4-3, they will need to determine what is currently lacking on the roster to make this work and who should be targeted for the draft.

My preference on draft days regarding who to select in round 1 always revolves around the need vs. value philosphy. If there is a player in the draft at any position other than quarterback who is available and significantly better than the next best player overall, it would be very difficult for me to pass. Sauce Gardner could have fit this description for many when the Jags selected Walker. Cornerback is one of the most critical positions and to have someone like that who shuts down one side of the field gives any team a big edge on defense. Despite already having Campbell and Williams as starters and having a much greater need for pass rushers, most would say at this point the wrong player was selected. Walker improved significantly this season and may eventually make a pro-bowl, but when all  is said and done Gardner would have been a much better pick.

Looking at the current draft board for 2024, I don't see any player who may be available at pick 17 who would clearly stand out over the other options regarding value for the Jaguars. Let's face it, it is impossible to say anyone passed over by 16 other teams is a guarantee to be a perennial pro-bowler- although one or two seem to always emerge. That being said, the team's greatest need, BY FAR, is the offensive line- primarily the interior. It's hard to find too many things Jaguar fans agree on, but this is the exception. Unless they pay 2 free agent linemen big money (say Dotson and Cushenberry), I'm selecting the best mauling lineman who provides value in round 1. We'll get to see more of these guys at the Senior Bowl, but Fuaga and Fautanu would currently be my favorite picks. Both appear on most big boards in the top 25 including Mel Kiper who had both in his top 20. Another OL also needs to be found either in free agency or the draft. Depending on what they do in free agency and the scheme they will run on defense, the team likely needs another pass rusher, run-stuffing tackle and likely a wide receiver.

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